Twin Coasts: The Subtropical North

 
This route allows you to explore the far north of New Zealand – often called ’the birthplace of the nation’ - where the subtropical climate provides a warm welcome all year round. The Twin Coast Discovery Highway begins in Auckland and travels north, tracing the coast to Cape Reinga and back. The east coast is memorable for white sand beaches, relaxed seaside towns and ports, while the west coast has fewer people, wilder beaches and giant kauri trees. Along the way you will enjoy the generous hospitality of superior B&B properties and personally hosted lodges.   6 5 4 3 2 1   8 days
USD 1,429.001
EUR 1,049.00

Recommended
travel period:
throughout the year


Request a quote
 

1st day: Auckland

Arrival at Auckland Airport
Flight - by own arrangement
   
 
Meet & Greet Transfer to Accommodation
(included in package price under 'Extras')
We will arrange a private car pick-up at the airport, with a wonderfully welcoming driver who will meet your flight (whether it be early, late or on time), and whisk you comfortably to the front door of your first accommodation.
   
 
Victorian Charme, Top Location: Villa in Devonport
Victorian Charme, Top Location: Villa in Devonport

Victorian Villa in Devonport
This magnificently restored 1880's Victorian villa, overlooks a park, the waterfront and the quaint maritime village of Devonport and is just a two minute stroll to the ferry which takes one quickly to central Auckland and the surrounding islands of the Hauraki Gulf. The seven guest rooms have recently been redecorated by Judy, the owner, and each and every one has its own special style. Furnishings are a mix of New Zealand and English antiques. Guest will find complimentary specialty teas, coffees, handmade chocolates, port, sherry and lavender bags in all guest rooms. Breakfast is served, in the wonderful open and sunny, spacious breakfast room - overlooking the secluded tropical garden. In summer, guests can breakfast alfresco on the verandah. Even the menu is beautifully presented and sets the scene for a superb breakfast, starting with fresh orange juice, home-made muesli and tropical fruits, or eggs Devonport - scrambled with herbs and smoked salmon and served on a toasted English muffin. A range of very good restaurants and shops, as well as Devenport's beach and Mount Victoria, which offers amazing 360-degree view over Auckland and the harbour, are only a short walk away.
   
1 night
Bed & Breakfast
 
  Auckland  more info »
 

2nd day: Waipoua Forest

 
Rental car pick-up
Type: Compact Auto
Pick-up location: North Shore

   
Duration of rental:
6 days
 
via Dargavill towards the Waipoua Forest
Distance: 255 km Time: 3:00 h
more ...

   
 

Guided Night Walk through the Waipoua Forest
(included in package price under 'Extras')
Guided by the same stars that bought the Maori people to New Zealand from Hawaiiki, this tour is designed for small groups and individuals to experience an intimate encounter with the 'giants' of the forest. Using fully maintained Department of Conservation tracks a local Maori guide will lead the group to some of the oldest Kauri trees in the world; Te Matua Ngahere and Tane Mahuta, the Father and Lord of the Forest. The experience is one that will stimulate your senses as you hear the forest, touch the trees and see day turn to night. Your participation also helps to sustain the delicate landscape of the Waipoua. The silhouettes of the forest and the sounds of the night are a theatrical performance you won't want to miss. Duration of the tour is 4 hours long. [Qualmark endorsed Visitor Activity]
   
 
Boutique Lodge on the Edge of the Kauri Forest
Boutique Lodge on the Edge of the Kauri Forest

Boutique Lodge on the Edge of the Kauri Forest
This lodge is nestled on a ridge overlooking the mighty Waipoua Forest, home to New Zealand's biggest and most majestic kauri trees. "Tane Mahuta", New Zealand's largest kauri tree, is just 16kms from the lodge. The kauri villa has accommodated guests since 1890 and in winter 2003 was carefully restored by its new owners Nicole and Chris, retaining it's history and character. Guests can relax in the lounge by the fire, in the sunroom library, or choose a soothing wine from the bar to enjoy on the deck overlooking the 3 acres of gardens. Dinner is served at a time of the guests' choice. Four private self contained apartments are housed within the orginial farm buildings, which were also completely rebuilt in 2003. Tile bathrooms, private lounges, ensuites, king beds, robes, cds, and quality linen are there to enjoy and warm the soul. The landscaped gardens, filled with birdsong, lead to a native bush walk at the bottom of the garden.

Umfulana-Tip: A guided night walk - 'Twilight Encounter' - through the Waipoua Forest. Friendly experienced and local Maori guides from Footprints Waipoua willingly share their knowledge, stories, song and musical instruments to enlighten and enhance this tranquil and spiritual location. Depending on the season, the tour starts around 6pm finishes at 9pm. This tour can be pre-booked by Umfulana or later on by the lodge.
   
1 night
Bed & Breakfast
 
  Waipoua Forest  more info »
 

3rd day: Kaitaia

 
via Hokianga Harbour to Kaitaia
Distance: 120 km Time: 2:30 h
more ...

   
 
right on the beach: Apartment in Ahipara
right on the beach: Apartment in Ahipara

Beachfront Apartment in Ahipara
The luxury accommodation in Ahipara is located at the southern tip of the famous "Ninety Mile Beach". Hosts Paul and Jenny are 5th generation New Zealanders whose ancestors arrived in Wellington around 1840. Their new, modern-style house constructed in 2004 has two spacious guest apartments, both with sea views and fully equipped kitchens.
   
1 night
Accommodation only
 
  Cape Reinga  more info »
 

4th day: Bay of Islands

 
into the Bay of Islands
Distance: 135 km Time: 2:00 h

   
 
Breakfast with commanding views of the Bay of Islands
Breakfast with commanding views of the Bay of Islands

Lodge on Flagstaff Hill
Set high on a hill above the historic township of Russell in five hectares of native bush, this small lodge is not only a haven for bird life - including a recently released kiwi that can sometimes be heard calling at night - but also a haven for travellers. From the large wooden deck guests have commanding views of the town and of the labyrinths of sea winding between the peninsulas and islands of the bay. The guests rooms are bright, modern, spacious and elegantly appointed. Host Colwyn is a former local policeman and a former New Zealand softball player who speaks fluent Maori. The lodge is also a great honeymoon destination and, because Colywn is a marriage celebrant. Small wedding are sometimes held at the lodge and can be arranged by Umfulana.
   
2 nights
Bed & Breakfast
 
  Bay of Islands  more info »
 

6th day: Matakana Coast

 
via Whangarei to the Matakana Coast
Distance: 200 km Time: 3:00 h
more ...

   
 
Country Lodge on a Ridge: stylish & peaceful
Country Lodge on a Ridge: stylish & peaceful

Country Lodge overlooking the Puhoi River Valley
This elegant country lodge was designed and built by a local architect in to offer private accommodation to no more than six guests seeking to get away from it all in a quiet, comfortable and beautiful setting. Surrounded by 100's of acres of natural bush, the lodge is situated high on a ridge with panoramic views of the Puhoi River valley with distant views out to sea. The immediate bush is also a haven for several species of New Zealand native birds. Located about one hour north of Auckland, just south of Warkworth, the lodge is close to the historic village of Puhoi with its museum, nationally famous pub and the world famous Puhoi cheese company. Guests can canoe the Puhoi river; enjoy bush walks in Mahurangi regional parks; visit bird sanctuaries, marine reserves or one of the six vinyards on the Matakana wine trail; or simply sit back and relax in the lodge's new spa and look out to the bush and sea beyond while enjoying a glass of wine. As an eco lodge it is built predominately of timber, with the health and well being of all guests given top priority. All interior wood finishes have been burnished with sweet smelling tung oil providing a wonderful aroma when entering the lodge and guest rooms. The three suites each open out onto a sunny north-facing deck, screened for privacy. Ian and Maralyn, the hosts, offer a fine three course hosted dinner, including pre-dinner drinks and local Matakana wines. Dinner can be pre-booked by Umfulana.
   
1 night
Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
 
  Matakana Coast  more info »
 

7th day: Auckland

 
to Auckland
Distance: 80 km Time: 1:00 h

   
 
Small Hotel in Ponsonby: classic villa with pacific ambience
Small Hotel in Ponsonby: classic villa with pacific ambience

Small B&B Hotel in Ponsonby
Ponsonby is a vibrant, safe, historic area of Auckland City, a late 19th Century neighbourhood, full of wisteria and wooden villas - only a few minutes away from Auckland's CBD and waterfront. On Ponsonby Road, one can find some of Auckland's best restaurants with a range of dining options - including French, Italian, Jewish, Indian, Japanese, Malaysian, Turkish, Pacific Rim Fusion, Organic and Vegetarian cuisine. There is everything from haute cuisine to peasant tucker, and plenty of choice of bars, bistros, live music, shops and art studios. In a quiet cul-de-sac, just a two minute walk from Ponsonby Road, but away from the traffic noises, this immaculately restored turn of the century villa offers peaceful and elegant, small hotel style B&B accommodation. There are 12 rooms for guests, seven in the main house and five studio untis across the courtyard. The rooms are modern, simple and colourful, with an emphasis on quality - creating an inviting environment with impeccably detailed décor which reflects the Pacific heritage of Auckland. Apart from a full cooked breakfast from an extensive menu, guest are offered a daily paper, welcome drinks on arrival, free use of wireless laptop, free off street parking, and use of two bicycles.
   
1 night
Bed & Breakfast
 
  Auckland  more info »
 

8th day: Auckland

 
Rental car drop-off
Drop-off location: Auckland Airport

   
 
Departure from Auckland Airport
Flight - by own arrangement
   
 
 

Additional services

 
Climate Compensation
For more information on the Trees for Travellers project, please refer to our website:
www.umfulana.com/climateoz
 
   
 

Rental car: AVIS New Zealand

 

Group C - Compact Auto
Typ: Toyota Corolla Sedan, Holden Astra /Viva (1.8), Mitsubishi Lancer (2.4), Toyota Corolla Hatch (1.08), Ford Focus (2.0). (Gruppe C)
Equipment: Radio/CD-Player, Air Conditioning, Power Steering, Dual Airbags, Automatic

Max. Excess for this car: Standard (see above)
   
AVIS
 
 
 

Cost of this tour

 
    The price is per person based on two persons sharing a double room and includes accommodations (meals included as stated above) and rental car.

USD 1,429.001
EUR 1,049.00


Should you want to revise this itinerary, we can change any of the following items: the route, the number of persons travelling, the time schedule, the standard of accommodation and the type of vehicle, according to your wishes.

The tour can begin on any date desired.
Recommended travel period: throughout the year

Upon booking this tour you will receive:
the names, addresses and telephone numbers
for each accommodation
detailed directions to each accommodation
vouchers

Susanne BonnemannIf you have any questions, would like to request changes or book this tour, please call your personal consultant Susanne Bonnemann on +49 (0)2268 9098-0 or submit an enquiry via the Internet:
 


8 days

Recommended
travel period:
throughout the year
 
 
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  1) Price per person based on two people sharing a double room, flights not included. Prices may vary by season and due to differences in available services. All tours are sold in euros. Prices indicated in other currencies are for informational purposes only and may vary in accordance with changes in exchange rates.

 

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